Gambia goalkeeper dies while crossing to Europe by boat

Goalkeeper of Gambian women’s senior national football team, Jawara Fatim has died while attempting to move over to Europe by boat.

Fatim met her sudden death on attempt to cross to Europe through Libya, where she is said to have spent weeks in a secluded camp in Misrata.

She was among a plethora of African migrants daring the high waves in a bid to reach Lampedusa, south of Italy.

According to Gambia News, an agent, who she paid to facilitate her move, confirmed her death, disclosing that she died last week Thursday.

Meanwhile, the Gambia Football Federation, GFF, has expressed utter shock at news of Jawara’s sudden death.

GFF boss, Lamin Kaba Bajo said at a press briefing, “I received the news today and it has really shocked me. The young girl is a talent and on the move for greener pastures but the way she died is just shocking and sympathetic.

“We at the GFF are very sad about the development and on behalf of the Football Federation, I want to send our condolences to the family of the girl and her former club Red Scorpions.”

Choro Mbenga, who coached Jawara at her local club side, Red Scorpions, until she traveled to Libya, said, “She was bold and stood for her teammates boldly. A talented goalkeeper, she will really be missed.”

The deceased was part of the Gambian team that made history, putting the country’s name on the world map in the women’s U-17 World Cup in Azerbaijan in 2012.